Basic Homemade Broth

Why make your own basic homemade broth? There’s nothing more wholesome than making your own homemade broth from scratch! I’m not a fan of stock cubes; I very rarely (almost never) use them. I like to know what’s in my food and that includes additives and preservatives, as well as salt.

So whilst a shop-bought readymade stock is an option, the advantage of making your own basic homemade broth is that you can make it in larger quantities, keep it in the freezer and bring it out regularly as you need it. In other words, you will benefit, not only from the convenience, but also from something that is incredibly flavoursome!

Homemade stock is incredibly nutritious; it’s a good source of collagen (responsible for that gelatinous texture you see when it’s cooled) and also contains glutamine, an amino acid that can heal the gut lining and protect against digestive issues.

And yes, the “old wives” were correct; it plays a role in immune health and can help with colds and sniffles by clearing mucus, opening respiratory pathways and providing easily digested nutrition.

It’s a great way to use up all those vegetable scraps and leftover bones after a Sunday roast. No waste at its finest!

From homemade hearty soups, risottos, winter casseroles or even just a simple warming anti-inflammatory drink, its uses and health benefits are endless.

Here’s my recipe, which differs slightly from many, as well as a tasty winter-warming soup recipe.

My Basic Homemade Broth (Chicken or Veggie) Recipe

I don’t like to use carrots as I prefer my basic broth not to have a sweetness to it. I prefer a “salty” flavoursome broth as a base.

• 1 small chicken, whole or chicken carcass (leftover from roasted)
  [For a veggie broth, see my tip below]
• 1 large onion, cut into large chunks
• 2 stalks celery, trimmed and cut into large chunks
• 6 peppercorns
• 3 bay leaves
• 4 cardamon pods (my secret ingredient!)
• Juice from half a lemon
• Salt

Put all the ingredients in a large pan and cover with water. Gently bring the water to a simmer and skim off any foam that rises to the top. Then cover the pan and continue to simmer at the lowest heat for 2-2½hrs or longer if time allows.
Turn off the heat and allow the stock to cool and settle. Then turn out the contents into a large sieve over a deep, clean bowl.  Allow it to drain so you capture as much of the stock as possible, squeezing the vegetables slightly to release into the stock for added flavour.

Return the stock to the saucepan if you’re using the stock immediately; otherwise, once it’s completely cooled, transfer to clean glass jars (or any other container) and keep in the fridge for 5-7 days or freeze for 3 months.

TOP TIP
Start keeping all your leftover scraps from your fresh vegetables and add them to a large plastic box or bag in the freezer. Carrot tops, outer leaves from cabbages, stalks and any peelings; save them all and start building up a mixed collection in the freezer. Do wash them before you freeze, so they’re ready to throw into a large pan, along with all the remaining ingredients above, to make a nutritious homemade veggie stock.

WANT A RECIPE TO USE YOUR BROTH? Head to my SOUPS section for plenty of inspiration!